Process for producing low calcium xanthan gums by fermentation

ABSTRACT

Two novel forms of xanthan gum containing not more than about 400 ppm of calcium are disclosed. Xanthan gum having this low concentration of calcium is prepared from an aqueous fermentation medium substantially free of calcium ion and substantially free of fermentation nutrients which contain calcium. When the fermentation is carried out under conditions of high shear, the low calcium product is characterized in that oil/water emulsions of the gum exhibit smooth flow.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 097,754, filed Nov. 27,1979, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.044,145 filed May 31, 1979, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser.No. 895,907, filed Apr. 13, 1978 both, now abandoned.

The high phosphate fermentation process described herein is the subjectof a related application Ser. No. 044,144 filed May 31, 1979 entitled"High Phosphate Process for Making Low Calcium, Smooth Flow XanthanGum", now U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,399, issued Apr. 21, 1981.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The preparation and uses of xanthan gum are well known to those skilledin the field of heteropolysaccharides. While aqueous compositions ofxanthan gum have many desirable properties, such compositions have achunky or non-uniform flow.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide two novel forms ofxanthan gum. Another object is to provide a method of preparing thesenovel forms of xanthan gum. A further object is to provide aqueouscompositions of these xanthan gums. These and other objects of thepresent invention will be apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Xanthan gum having not more than about 400 ppm of calcium is preparedfrom an aqueous fermentation medium substantially free of calcium ionand substantially free of fermentation nutrients which contain calcium.When prepared under conditions of high shear the gum provides aqueousoil/water compositions having smooth or uniform flow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aqueous compositions of xanthan gum tend to have a "chunky" ornon-uniform flow characteristic. A "chunky" flow is an uneven, lumpytype of flow such as is encountered with tomato catsup. A smooth oruniform type of flow is one free of lumps and unevenness such as isencountered with vegetable oil.

It has now been found that there is a correlation between the calciumcontent of xanthan gum and the flow characteristics of aqueouscompositions containing xanthan gum. The aqueous compositions includesolutions of xanthan gum as well as oil/water emulsions. In general,aqueous compositions of xanthan gum containing not more than about 0.04weight % of calcium and fermented under high shear conditions havedesirable flow properties, and aqueous compositions of xanthan gumcontaining not more than about 0.02 weight % of calcium and fermentedunder high shear conditions have best flow properties.

The low calcium xanthan gum of the present invention may be prepared bya heteropolysaccharide-producing bacterium, Xanthomonas campestris bythe whole culture fermentation of a medium comprising a fermentablecarbohydrate, a nitrogen source, and appropriate other nutrients.

The bacterium is grown in a medium which is substantially free ofcalcium ions. By substantially free is meant up to about 4 ppm ofcalcium ion per each 1% of xanthan gum concentration in the completedfermentation broth, and preferably up to about 2 ppm of calcium per each1% of xanthan gum concentration in the completed fermentation broth.Thus, if the xanthan gum is to be produced at a final concentration ofabout 2.1-2.3%, the total calcium ion content of the completedfermentation broth should not exceed about 9 ppm and preferably shouldnot exceed about 5 ppm. To obtain such a low calcium medium the calciumcontent of the water in the fermentation medium may be reduced to theappropriate level by any means such as by chemical means, e.g.,ion-exchange treatment, or by distillation, or by the use of soft water.As commercial sources of organic nitrogen contain appreciable amounts ofcalcium ion, it is important that the nitrogen source of the presentinvention be a material which is substantially free of calcium ions. Anexample of such a nutrient material is Promosoy 100, a soy proteinconcentrate (Central Soya). Use of this material at 500 ppm imparts 1-2ppm calcium to the medium.

The relationship between the total calcium ion content of thefermentation media, the final xanthan gum concentration in the broth,and the calcium ion content of the isolated xanthan gum is expressed inTable 1.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                        Calcium Ion Relationships                                                     Total        Final       Calcium                                              Calcium Ion  Xanthan Gum Content of                                           of Media     Concentration                                                                             Xanthan Gum                                          (ppm)        (%)         (ppm)                                                ______________________________________                                        12           3           400                                                  8            2           400                                                  4            1           400                                                  6            3           200                                                  4            2           200                                                  2            1           200                                                  ______________________________________                                    

Prior art fermentations of xanthan gum failed to appreciate the benefitsobtainable by low concentrations of calcium and, indeed, teach theaddition of calcium either to the fermentation beer or to thereconstituted xanthan gum. Examples of such prior art teachings are U.S.Pat. Nos. 3,000,790, 3,054,689, 3,096,293, 3,232,929 and 4,053,699 andFrench Pat. No. 2,330,697.

In addition the prior art teaches the use of tap water rather thandeionized water, not only because of economic considerations, butbecause tap water contains trace elements required for growth of thegum-producing organism. See, for example, "Polysaccharide (Xanthan) ofXanthomonas campestris NRRL B-1459: Procedures for Culture Maintenanceand Polysaccharide Production, Purification and Analysis", AgriculturalResearch Service, United States Department of Agriculture (ARS-NC-51).

Moreover, the prior art teaches the use of distillers solubles orsoybean cake as an organic nitrogen source for the fermentation ofxanthan gum. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,020,206, 3,281,329 and3,594,280 and "Materials and Methods in Fermentation", pp. 126-127 by G.L. Solomons, Academic Press, New York (1969). At a concentration in thefermentation broth of 0.4 weight %, Distillers Dried Solubles imparts acalcium content of 150.8 ppm to the fermentation broth while at aconcentration of 0.45 weight % in the fermentation broth soybean mealimparts a calcium content of 16.7 ppm to the fermentation broth. The gumproduced at a concentration of about 2.1-2.3% with the use of suchorganic nitrogen sources would have a calcium content of about0.66-0.72% calcium in the case of Distillers Dried Solubles and about0.07-0.08% in the case of soybean meal because xanthan gum binds allavailable calcium ion up to a maximum level of about 2.6%, assuming thatno other calcium is present in the water or other media component.

Xanthan gum is an anionic polysaccharide due to the presence of about20% glucuronic acid and 4% pyruvate in the molecule. It has beenexperimentally determined that about 0.026 g calcium will react with allof the carboxyl groups in 1 g of xanthan gum. In other words this amountof calcium is the stoichiometric amount based on the carboxyl groups inthe xanthan gum molecule. From this relationship it can be calculatedthat for each 1% of xanthan gum in the final fermentation broth, acalcium concentration in the broth of 260 ppm is the stoichiometricquantity sufficient to react with all of the carboxyl groups in thexanthan gum molecule. The gum recovered from such a broth will have acalcium content of about 26,000 ppm. The % of carboxyl groups that willreact with diminishing amounts of calcium can likewise be calculated.The relationship of calcium content to % of carboxyl groups bound isshown in Table 2.

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                        Ca.sup.++  Concentration v. % Carboxyl Bound                                             Xanthan                                                                       Gum                    % Carboxyl                                  Total Ca Content                                                                         Concentra-                                                                              Ca Content of                                                                              Groups                                      of Media (ppm)                                                                           tion (%)  Xan. Gum (ppm)                                                                             Bound                                       ______________________________________                                        260        1         26,000       100                                         22         1         2,200        8.5                                         7          1         700          2.7                                         4          1         400          1.6                                         2          1         200          0.8                                         520        2         26,000       100                                         44         2         2,200        8.5                                         14         2         700          2.7                                         8          2         400          1.6                                         4          2         200          0.8                                         650        2.5       26,000       100                                         55         2.5       2,200        8.5                                         17.5       2.5       700          2.7                                         10         2.5       400          1.6                                         5          2.5       200          0.8                                         ______________________________________                                    

Thus, the xanthan gum of the present invention can be describedchemically as xanthan gum in which up to about 1.6% of the carboxylgroups are bound to calcium and the remaining carboxyl groups are boundto sodium, potassium, a mixture of sodium and potassium or othernoncalcium cations.

The best evidence presently available suggests that xanthan gum has theformula: ##STR1## wherein M.sup.⊕ is Na⁺, K⁺, or 1/2 Ca⁺⁺. Estimates ofthe molecular weight range from 2-50 million. The organism Xanthomonasproduces this gum as an acid, the ratio of Na⁺ :K⁺ :Ca⁺⁺ in therecovered gum depending on the fermentation media conditions. It is nowthought that under normal fermentation conditions calcium ions causecross-linking between the side chains of different gum molecules. Thegreater the cross-linking the greater the viscosity of aqueous solutionsand the higher the molecular weight. By producing xanthan gum under lowcalcium conditions, the amount of cross-linking is reduced. By producingxanthan gum under low calcium, high shear conditions, cross-linking isthought to be substantially prevented and the gum exhibits smooth flowproperties. Where high shear is applied after fermentation issubstantially complete, the effect of agitation is minimal since thecalcium appears to be chelated by the xanthan gum molecule and theenergy levels involved are not high enough to break the bonds. Thus, itis essential in one embodiment of this invention that both low calciumand high shear co-exist while the organism Xanthomonas produces xanthangum in its acid form in order to make the smooth flow gum of thisinvention.

In an alternate process for producing low calcium, smooth flow xanthangum, high shear is not necessary. Rather, 0.5% phosphate (0.45% Na₂ HPO₄and 0.05% K₂ HPO₄) is added to the medium at the beginning of the finalfermentation process and another 0.5% Na₂ HPO₄ is added at the end ofthe process prior to precipitation. In a variation of this process 0.7%phosphate is added at the beginning of fermentation and none at the end.Thus, if between 0.7% and 1% phosphate is used in the final fermentationprocess, the necessity of high shear conditions is obviated.

As indicated above, production of the acid form of xanthan gum, thestarting material in the practice of the present invention, byXanthomonas campestris, NRRL B-1459, under a variety of fermentationsconditions is well known. The inventive feature of this applicationrelates to the maintenance of low calcium conditions in the fermentationbroth (with or without high shear), which is independent of thebiosynthetic pathway of the Xanthomonas organism in its production ofthe acid form of xanthan gum. It would be apparent therefore to oneskilled in the art that the invention is operative using either B-1459or a proprietary mutant strain of Xanthomonas campestris known byapplicant's assignee to produce the acid form of xanthan gum in somewhathigher yields than does B-1459. Since the function of the microorganismis merely to produce said acid form of xanthan gum, availability of thismutant strain is not significant to the practice of this invention.

During the fermentation of xanthan gum, the fermentation broth iscontinually monitored to assure good mixing. As the viscosity of thebroth increases with the amount of gum produced, frequent monitoring anda corresponding increase in agitation rate assures that all parts of thebroth are properly aerated. The criterion of good mixing, well known tothose skilled in the polysaccharide fermentation art, is sufficient toproduce the low calcium xanthan gum of this invention.

When it is desired to produce the low calcium xanthan gum having smoothflow properties, high shear is required during the fermentation processunless 0.7% to 1% phosphate is used. The following agitation conditionshave been found to be adequate to produce the low calcium, smooth flowxanthan gum of this invention. Agitation comparable to these agitationconditions is defined herein as "high shear".

    ______________________________________                                        Fermentor                                                                     Size        Agitation Conditions                                              ______________________________________                                        5     Liter     Three 31/8" flat turbine impellors.                                           The initial agitation is set at                                               400 RPM's (105 ft/min) and is                                                 typically increased to 800-1000                                               RPM's (211-263 ft/min) by 16-24 hours.                        14    Liter     Three 2 15/16" flat blade im-                                                 pellors. The fermentation is                                                  started with an agitation rate                                                of 400 RPM's (98 ft/min) and is                                               typically increased to 1000 RPM's                                             (245 ft/min) by 16-24 hours. The                                              agitation can be increased as                                                 necessary to provide high shear                                               up to 1500 RPM's (368 ft/min).                                30    Liter     Two 5 1/16" V-shaped turbine im-                              (8    Gallon)   pellors. The initial agitation                                                is 300 RPM's (127 ft/min) which is                                            increased to 700 RPM's (295 ft/min)                                           by 16-24 hours.                                               70    Liter     Two 5 15/16" flat blade turbine im-                                           pellors and one 6" propellor. This                                            fermentor is started with an agita-                                           tion rate of 300 RPM's (149 ft/min)                                           and increased to 600 RPM's (297 ft/min)                                       by 16-24 hours. It can be increased                                           thereafter as needed to provide high                                          shear to a maximum of 750 RPM's                                               (371 ft/min).                                                 1500  Gallon    3 sets (five 21/2" × 4" blades/set)                                     of disc and turbine impellors; 20"                                            diam. disc., 28" diam. impellor;                                              150 RPM.                                                      ______________________________________                                    

The high shear must be imparted to the beer during the fermentationprocess. If the beer is subjected to high shear after the fermentationis completed, the resulting gum does not exhibit smooth flow. Likewise,it is preferred to continue the high shear conditions throughout theentire fermentation process.

The smooth flow obtainable with the low calcium xanthan gum of thepresent invention is liable, in some cases, to be degraded by hightemperature pasteurization conditions. For this reason, it is preferableto pasteurize at temperatures which do not exceed about 80° C.

A correlation has been found between the smooth flow property of thexanthan gum of this invention and the viscosity of an oil/water emulsionmade up from the gum. The following test protocol can therefore befollowed to determine whether a low calcium xanthan gum can also becharacterized as having smooth flow.

TEST METHOD 1

3.5 g of low calcium xanthan gum is slurried in 20 g of vegetable oil.The slurry is added to 300 ml tap water in a Sunbeam solid state Waringblender and mixed for 20 seconds at the lowest speed (stir button).Mixing is stopped, 13 g of NaCl is added, and the mix is agitated at thehighest speed (liquify button) for 10 seconds. The entire emulsion ispoured into a 400 ml beaker and viscosity readings are obtained at roomtemperature on a Brookfield LVF viscometer, spindle 3 at 60 rpm. Thexanthan gum used should contain between 86 and 92% solids and should bemilled so that at least 98% passes through an 80 mesh screen and lessthan 40% passes through a 325 mesh screen. A low calcium xanthan gum issmooth flow if under these conditions viscosity readings of less than1650 cP are obtained. It is preferred that the viscosity be less than1600 cP.

Alternative, although less reliable, tests require visual observations.For example, the emulsion prepared as above is observed while beingpoured and its flow characteristics noted. A beaker containing such anemulsion is swirled so that its sides are coated and then the sides areobserved. If the coating of emulsion on the sides is generallyhomogeneous rather than streaked and uneven, the gum can be consideredto be smooth flow.

The low calcium xanthan gum of this invention can be used for any of theuses to which xanthan gum can be put. In addition, when still in thefermentation broth it is the intermediary for producing the smooth-flowlow calcium xanthan gum of this invention.

Smooth-flow xanthan gum finds applicability in a variety of areas.First, to the extent that its properties are similar to those of xanthangum, it can be used as a substitute in formulations requiring xanthangum. However, the smooth flow xanthan gum of this invention isparticularly useful in pourable and spoonable salad dressings.Solubility is markedly improved in reconstituted dry mixes such as fruitflavored beverages, cocoa drinks, gravies, and soups. Texture and flowproperties are markedly improved in high sugar/solids systems such assugar syrups, toothpaste, shampoo, hand cream, and fruit preserves.Representative usage levels are:

    ______________________________________                                                         % by Weight                                                  ______________________________________                                        No/low oil salad dressing                                                                        0.5-1.5                                                    High oil salad dressing                                                                          0.2-0.8                                                    Toothpaste         0.7-2.0                                                    preferably         1.0-1.2                                                    Dry Foodstuffs (dispersible)                                                                     0.2-1.5                                                    ______________________________________                                    

Representative formulations using smooth flow xanthan gum of thisinvention are as follows:

Salad Dressing

To 40 parts of sugar add 20 parts of instant starch and 5 parts ofsmooth flow xanthan gum. Dry blend and then disperse in 410 parts ofwater. Mix until dissolved and add 60 parts of water. Mix untildissolved and add 60 parts of sugar. Mix in 20 parts of salt, 5 parts ofmustard and 40 parts of fresh egg yolks. Using a fast whip beater mix in300 parts of corn oil and 100 parts of 100 grain vinegar.

    ______________________________________                                        Orange Flavored Drink Mix                                                     A drink is prepared by adding the follow-                                     ing blended ingredients to 1 quart (944 ml) cold                              water and stirring for 30 seconds.                                                                  Gms.                                                    ______________________________________                                        Baker's Special Sugar   125.713                                               Citric Acid, granulated                                                       anhydrous               4.55                                                  Sodium Citrate, fine granular                                                 hydrous                 1.05                                                  Artificial Orange Juice Flavor                                                24825 (American Flavor and                                                    Fragrance Corp.)        0.504                                                 Ascorbic Acid           0.49                                                  Orange Essence Oil 1939 (Borden)                                                                      0.336                                                 Smooth Flow Xanthan Gum 0.28                                                  Kowet Titanium Dioxide (Kohnstamm)                                                                    0.042                                                 FD&C Yellow No. 5       0.021                                                 FD&C Yellow No. 6       0.014                                                                         133.0                                                 ______________________________________                                    

Toothpaste

Using known processes, a toothpaste is prepared from the followingingredients:

    ______________________________________                                                          % by Weight                                                 ______________________________________                                        Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate                                                                     45.0                                                      Glycerine           12.5                                                      Sorbitol            12.5                                                      Sodium lauryl sulfate                                                                             1.5                                                       Saccharin           0.2                                                       Flavoring agent     1.0                                                       Water               26.3                                                      Smooth Flow Xanthan Gum                                                                           1.0                                                       ______________________________________                                    

The resulting paste has short, non-stringy flow, whereas a paste madewith regular xanthan gum has noticeable stringiness.

Instant Hot Cream Soup Mix

An instant soup is prepared by adding the following blended ingredientsto 3/4 cup (180 ml) boiling water and stirring for 2 minutes.

    ______________________________________                                                            Gms.                                                      ______________________________________                                        Star Dri 24F Corn Syrup Solids                                                (Staley)              6.56                                                    Veg Cream (types) (Nestle)                                                                          3.75                                                    Gelatinized Dura Jel (Staley)                                                                       3.00                                                    Milk Solids Non-fat (instantized)                                                                   2.50                                                    Salt                  1.50                                                    Sugar                 1.00                                                    MSG                   0.90                                                    Powdered onion        0.20                                                    Maggi Hydrolyzed Plant Protein                                                (Nestle)              0.10                                                    Smooth Flow xanthan gum                                                                             0.25                                                    ______________________________________                                    

Low calcium xanthan gum at a level of 0.1 to 2% by weight is also usefulas a thickener for water-glycol fire resistant hydraulic fluids. Thesefluids comprise water, a low molecular weight glycol, a thickener, andvarious additives used for corrosion inhibition, anti-wear, etc. Lowcalcium xanthan gum is soluble in the various water-glycol mixtureswhich are used as vehicles for the fluids. Glycols such as ethyleneglycol, diethylene glycol, and propylene glycol are used, at levels upto the weight of water present, to impart freezing point depression andlow temperature fluidity to the fluids. Water-glycol mixtures have verypoor lubricant and anti-wear properties; the thickener is used inwater-glycol hydraulic fluids to provide these functions.

Surprisingly, low calcium xanthan gum is highly compatible with high pHsolutions. Where the gum is also the smooth flow gum, this compatibilityis even higher. In such high pH aqueous solutions (>˜12% NaOH) xanthangum typically gels, whereas the low calcium gum only slightly gels andthe smooth flow gum exhibits no gelling. Smooth flow xanthan gumproduces free-flowing solutions at concentrations as high as 50% NaOH.It is desirable to also include a glucoheptonate sequestrant in causticformulations to prevent gelation by metal ions. Smooth flow xanthan gumalso shows improved performance in alkaline cleaners containing alkalinebuilder salts and surfactants added for cleaning performance. Lesstendency for phase separation occurs with smooth flow xanthan gum.

The following formulation is prepared with both xanthan gum and smoothflow xanthan gum:

    ______________________________________                                        1.0     g         gum                                                         93.0    g         water                                                       90.0    g         4.5% KOH Solution                                           2.0     g         Sodium Orthosilicate                                        4.0     g         Tetrapotassium pyrophosphate                                10.0    g         Triton X-100 Nonionic Surfactant                            ______________________________________                                    

Both cleaner formulations are initially stable, viscous solutionssuitable for use as a cleaner. After standing 48 hours, however, theformulation containing normal xanthan gum separates into two phases, aclear liquid phase and a semi-gelatinous gum phase. The smooth flowxanthan gum produces a pourable cleaner with no trace of phaseseparation.

Thus, low calcium xanthan gum can be used in alkaline systems to producestable, pourable compositions. Gum concentrations of 0.05%-2.0% arerecommended, preferably 0.1%-1.0% by weight.

The following is a suggested heavy duty oven cleaner formulation whichcan be used in either a warm or cold oven:

    ______________________________________                                                             % by wt.                                                 ______________________________________                                        A.      Inorganic silicate 0.75                                                       (VEEGUM T, Vanderbuilt                                                        Co., New York, N.Y.)                                                          Smooth flow xanthan gum                                                                          0.25                                                       Water              72.00                                              B.      Surfactant         2.00                                                       (Antaron F C 34,                                                              GAF Corp., New York, N.Y.)                                            C.      NaOH               10.00                                                      Water              15.00                                              ______________________________________                                    

Procedure

Prepare A by adding the gums to the water slowly, agitating continuallyuntil smooth. Then add B and stir slowly until uniform. Dissolve NaOH inwater to form C, then add C slowly to the mix until a uniform product isobtained.

The following examples further illustrate the present invention without,however, limiting the same thereto.

EXAMPLE 1

The media and media ingredients are prepared in deionized water tominimize the presence of calcium.

The flask seed medium is YM broth (Difco). These flasks are inoculatedwith a loopful of a strain of Xanthomonas campestris NRRL B-1459 grownon nutrient agar (Difco) or YM agar plates. The inoculated flasks areplaced on a gyrotary shaker (New Brunswick Scientific, Inc.) at ashaking speed of 200-300 rpm. The temperature is controlled at 28°-33°C.

After 18-40 hours these seeds are used to inoculate a five-literfermentor vessel containing three liters of a medium containing thefollowing ingredients:

    ______________________________________                                        3.0%          Dextrose                                                        0.05%         Promosoy 100 (Central Soya)                                     0.09%         NH.sub.4 NO.sub.3                                               0.5%          Na.sub.2 HPO                                                    0.01%         MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O                                           ______________________________________                                    

The medium also contains trace elements such as BO₃.sup.≡, Mn⁺⁺, Fe⁺⁺,Cu⁺⁺, Zn⁺⁺, Co⁺⁺, MoO₄ ⁼, and an antifoam agent (Sag 471).

The fermentation temperature is controlled at 28°-33° C. with theagitation rate set so that proper mixing of the fermentor contentsoccurs. Sterile air is supplied at a rate of 0.2-1.0 (v/v). After 18-40hours, this seed is used to inoculate either 50 L of similar medium in a70 L fermentor, or 20 L of such medium in a 30 L fermentor. This mediumis composed of the following ingredients:

    ______________________________________                                        3.0%                Dextrose                                                  0.5%                Na.sub.2 HPO                                              0.09%               NH.sub.4 NO.sub.3                                         0.01%               MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O                                     0.05%               Promosoy 100                                              ______________________________________                                    

In these fermentors, the pH is controlled in the range of 6.0-7.5 usingKOH addition. Aeration is similar to that in the smaller fermentor. Theagitation is increased as necessary to maintain high shear. Theagitation in the 30 L fermentors is supplied by two 5-1/16" V-shapedturbine impellors. The initial agitation is 300 RPM's (127 ft/min) whichis increased to 700 RPM's (295 ft/min) by 16-24 hours. The agitation inthe 70 L fermentor is supplied by two 5-15/16" flat blade turbineimpellors and one 6" propellor. This fermentor is started with anagitation rate of 300 RPM's (149 ft/min) and increased to 600 RPM's (297ft/min) by 16-24 hours. It can be increased thereafter as needed to amaximum of 750 RPM's (371 ft/min). The fermentation is terminated whenthe carbon source has been fully utilized.

The fermentation broth is pasteurized in the fermentation vessel at 75°C. for 15 minutes. The product is recovered by alcohol precipitation.The recovered fibers are dried for 2 hours in a steam oven at 55° C.followed by milling through a 20-mesh screen. This product, designatedsample 1, is a low calcium, smooth flow xanthan gum.

A second batch is prepared following the procedure of sample 1 but usingDistillers Solubles as the organic nitrogen source and tap water insteadof deionized water. This product, sample 2, is representative ofcommercially available xanthan gum.

A third batch is prepared using the same conditions as those used toprepare sample 1 except that deionized water containing 40 ppm addedcalcium is used in the media. This product, designated sample 3, is alsocomparable to commercially available xanthan gum.

EXAMPLE 2

1. Seed Preparation

Fresh YM agar plate cultures of X. campestris B-1459 are used toinoculate YM broth flasks. The inoculated flasks are placed on agyrotary shaker at a shaking speed of 200-300 rpm. At 24-30 hrs., theseflasks are used to inoculate flasks containing the following components:

    ______________________________________                                        Starch          2.67%                                                         Na.sub.2 HPO.sub.4                                                                            0.50%                                                         Promosoy 100    0.19%                                                         NH.sub.4 NO.sub.3                                                                             0.09%                                                         NZ Amine A      0.03%                                                         MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O                                                                         0.02%                                                         FeSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O                                                                         5 ppm                                                         HoLe salts      1 ml/L                                                        Balab           0.26%                                                         Defoamer (Sag)  0.02%                                                         *Tap Water      ≈96.22%                                               ______________________________________                                         *The starch slurry is prepared in tap water for hydrolysis and represents     10% of the final fermentor volume.                                       

The fermentation temperature is controlled at 28°-33° C. with theagitation rate set so that proper mixing of the fermentor contentsoccurs. Sterile air is supplied at a rate of 0.2-1.0 (v/v). The flasksare used at 24-35 hrs. to inoculate 14-liter fermentors with a 6-7%inoculum level.

2. Final Fermentor

Fermentors of a 14-liter capacity are used for the final fermentationcontaining about 10 liters of the following medium:

    ______________________________________                                        Corn syrup      4.2%                                                          Na.sub.2 HPO.sub.4                                                                            0.053%                                                        Promosoy 100    0.0336%                                                       MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O                                                                         0.02%                                                         NH.sub.4 NO.sub.3                                                                             0.106%                                                        FeSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O                                                                         5 ppm                                                         HoLe salts      1 ml/L                                                        Defoamer (Sag)  0.01%                                                         Deionized water ≈95.58%                                               ______________________________________                                    

The FeSO₄.7H₂ O and HoLe salts are autoclaved separately. Alternatively,they are filtered instead of being added directly to the medium to beautoclaved.

The pH is controlled with 25% NaOH or KOH at 6.0-7.5. Aeration issimilar to that in the smaller fermentor.

Agitation is supplied by three 2-15/16" flat blade impellors. Thefermentation is started at an agitation rate of 400 rpm's (98 ft/min)and is increased to 1000 rpm's (245 ft/min) by 16-24 hours. Theagitation can be increased as necessary to provide high shear up to 1500rpm's (368 ft/min).

Fermentation is terminated when the carbon source is less than 0.1%.

The fermentation broth is pasteurized in the fermentation vessel at 75°C. for 15 minutes. The product is recovered by alcohol precipitation.The recovered fibers are dried for 2 hours in a steam oven at 55° C.followed by milling through a 20-mesh screen. The product is a lowcalcium, smooth-flow xanthan gum.

EXAMPLE 3 Low Calcium, Smooth Flow Xanthan Gum Seed Preparation

The flask seed medium is YM (Difco) broth. Flask size is 500 mlErlenmeyer containing 100 ml of broth. The flasks are inoculated with aloopful of cells of a culture of X. campestris maintained on nutrientagar plates and incubated at 30° C. on gyrotary shakers at 300-400 rpmfor 24-48 hrs. At this point two such flasks are used to seed a 5 L NewBrunswick scientific fermentor containing 3 L (final volume) of thefollowing medium:

    ______________________________________                                        D.I. Water                                                                    ______________________________________                                        2.67%        Starch (prepared in tap                                                       water, 300 ml, and                                                            liquified with Tenase                                                         [Miles], a commer-                                                            cially available                                                              α-amylase) (Autoclaved                                                  separately)                                                      0.01         MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O                                            0.5%         Na.sub.2 HPO.sub.4                                               0.19%        Promosoy 100                                                     0.09%        NH.sub.4 NO.sub.3 (Autoclaved separately)                        0.03%        NZ Amine                                                         1 ppm        Fe.sup.++  (filter sterilized)                                   1 ml/L       HoLe salts (filter                                                            sterilized)                                                      2 ml         SAG 471 Defoamer                                                 ______________________________________                                    

These seeds are used at 24-48 hrs. to seed a 20 L fermentor. The mediumused in this fermentor is as follows:

    ______________________________________                                        D.I. Water                                                                    ______________________________________                                        3.9%            42 DE Corn Syrup (auto-                                                       claved separately)                                            0.01%           MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O                                         0.09%           NH.sub.4 NO.sub.3 (autoclaved sepa-                                           rately)                                                       0.10%           Na.sub.2 HPO.sub.4                                            0.0336%         Promosoy 100                                                  1 ml/L          HoLe salts (filter                                                            sterilized                                                    1 ppm           Fe.sup.++  (filter sterilized)                                5 ml            SAG 471 Defoamer                                              ______________________________________                                    

The fermentation is run at 30° C. until residual carbon source level isless than 0.2%. Starting agitation in 300 RPM and aeration is 10 L/M.Air remains constant throughout fermentation. Agitation increases asfermentation broth increases in viscosity. The pH is controlled at pH6.8 by the addition of 25% KOH as necessary with automatic pHcontrollers.

The fermentation liquor is pasteurized at 75° C. for 15 minutes, cooledand precipitated in approximately 2-3 volumes of 99% isopropanol. Thefibers are collected and dried in a forced air tray drier at 50°-55° C.for approximately two hours and then milled to a powder, identified asBD-93.

The product is the low calcium, smooth flow xanthan gum of thisinvention.

EXAMPLE 4 Xanthan Gum

Following the procedure of Example 3 but using tap water containingapproximately 80 ppm Ca⁺⁺ instead of D.I. water and adding 0.008% Ca⁺⁺to the final fermentation medium (thus having a total of 160 ppm Ca⁺⁺ insaid medium), there is produced a product representative of commerciallyavailable xanthan gum. This product is identified as BD-94.

EXAMPLE 5 Comparison of Low Calcium vs. Regular Xanthan Gums

BD-93, BD-94, and commercially available xanthan gum are compared todetermine the effect of low calcium fermentation conditions on theirrheological properties.

The viscosities of the gum samples (1% and 2% w/w, in deionized (D.I.)water and 1% w/w KCl solution) and low oil emulsions are determinedusing a Brookfield LVF viscometer, at 60 rpm and appropriate spindle.

A slurry of each gum (6.4 g) in Kraft vegetable oil-specially processedsoybean oil (40 g) is added to 500 ml of water with stirring. Afterhydration, sodium chloride (26 g) and 10% acetic acid (75 ml) are added.The emulsions are milled in a Sterling colloid mill at a setting of0.015".

Working yield values are determined from the viscosity profiles at lowshear rates obtained by using the spring relaxation method on theWells-Brookfield RVT plate and cone viscometer. (See Jeanes et al.,(1973) J. Appl. Polymer Sci. 17 pp. 1621-1624. The working yield valueis defined as the shear stress (dynes/cm²) required to produce a shearrate of 0.01 sec⁻¹.

Visual observation of flow properties are determined by pouring low oilemulsions from container to container. Flow properties are rated as"smooth" through "light chunky", "medium chunky" to "heavy chunky".

A quantitative determination of flow properties is carried out bymeasurement of the flow rate of gum solutions (1% w/w in 1% KCl) andemulsions in a Bostwick Consistometer. This instrument which isavailable from Central Scientific Co., Inc., 26005 Kostner Avenue,Chicago, Ill. 60623 determines consistency by measuring the distancethat a material flows under its own weight during a given time interval.The distance travelled by the moving front after 5 minutes is areproducible measure of the flow properties (degree of smoothness) ofthe solutions.

    __________________________________________________________________________                          Commercial                                                                    Xanthan                                                                  BD-93                                                                              Gum     BD-94                                           __________________________________________________________________________    Calcium Content (pm)                                                                           130  2322    4357                                            Magnesium Content (ppm)                                                                        391  914     1019                                            1% Viscosity, D.I. H.sub.2 O                                                  (cP, 60 rpm, spindle 3)                                                                        410  810     815                                             1% Viscosity, 1% KCl                                                          (cP, 60 rpm, spindle 3)                                                                        1075 1250-1550                                                                             1175                                            Working Yield Value, 1% Gum,                                                  D.I. H.sub.2 O (dynes/cm.sup.2)                                                                (1)  15.5    26                                              Working Yield Value, 1% Gum,                                                  1% KCl (dynes/cm.sup.2)                                                                        22   52      42                                              2% Viscosity, D.I. H.sub.2 O                                                  (cP, 60 rpm)     1040 N.D.    1710                                            2% Viscosity, 1% KCl                                                          (cP, 60 rpm, spin. 4)                                                                          4070 N.D.    4080                                            2% D.I. Solution Visual                                                       Flow Characteristic                                                                            Smooth                                                                             Chunky  Chunky                                          Working Yield Value, 2% Gum,                                                  D.I. H.sub.2 O (dynes/cm.sup.2)                                                                16   N.D.    52                                              Visual Flow Characteristic                                                                     Smooth                                                                             Medium to                                                                             Light to                                        of Low Oil Emulsion   Heavy Chunky                                                                          Medium Chunky                                   Low Oil Emulsion Viscosity                                                    (60 rpm)         1390 1410    1490                                            Low Oil Emulsion Working Yield                                                Value (dynes/cm.sup.2)                                                                         45   N.D.    82                                              Bostwick Test, Distance Covered                                               After 5 min (cm)                                                              1% Gum and 1% KCl                                                                              17.2 10.9    12.7                                            Low Oil Emulsion 13.2 N.D.    9.7                                             __________________________________________________________________________     (1) Too low to determine due to low viscosity (<800 cP) in D.I. water         N.D. = Not Determined                                                    

EXAMPLE 6 Effect of Pasteurization Temperature on Smooth Flow Property

X. campestris is fermented under low calcium high shear conditionssubstantially similar to those described in Example 3 except that a 70liter final fermentor is used. Following fermentation, samples of thefermentation broth are removed from the fermentor and pasteurized atvarious temperatures and times using the copper coil immersed in a hotoil bath. The fermentation broth remaining in the fermentor ispasteurized in place at 75° C. for various times. Using theseprocedures, samples BD-118 through BD-125 are prepared.

The xanthan gum in these samples is precipitated with 2-3 volumes of 99%isopropyl alcohol. The fibrous product is dried overnight in a 45° C.oven followed by milling through a 20-mesh screen.

Upon analysis the following data are obtained.

    __________________________________________________________________________    Calcium                      Emulsion                                         Content    Pasteurization                                                                           Emulsion                                                                             Flow Properties                                  Sample No.                                                                          (ppm)                                                                              Conditions Viscosity (cP)                                                                       Visual                                                                             Bostwick                                    __________________________________________________________________________    BD-118                                                                              145  No pasteurization                                                                        1165   Smooth                                                                             14.0                                        BD-122                                                                              145  75° C., 2-3 min., coil                                                            1215   Smooth                                                                             13.8                                        BD-123                                                                              140  75°-78° C., 8-10                                                           1340   Smooth                                                                             12.1                                                   min., coil                                                         BD-124                                                                              140  79° C., 2-3 min., coil                                                            1240   Smooth                                                                             12.5                                        BD-125                                                                              N.D. 99° C., 2-3 min, coil                                                             1215   Smooth                                                                             12.8                                        BD-119                                                                              135  75° C., 2-3 min., steam                                                           1310   Smooth                                                                             12.7                                        BD-120                                                                              N.D. 75° C., 5 min, steam                                                              1180   Smooth                                                                             13.3                                        BD-121                                                                              140  75° C., 15 min., steam                                                            1270   Smooth                                                                             13.6                                        __________________________________________________________________________     N.D. Not determined                                                           Note: These samples were prepared from the same batch of broth, and           therefore should have identical Ca contents. This is confirmed by analysi     for calcium, which results are indicated above, wherein differences are       within experimental error.                                               

EXAMPLE 7 Effect of Pasteurization Temperature On Smooth Flow Property

X. campestris is fermented under substantially the same procedure as inExample 6. Following fermentation, samples of the fermentation broth areremoved from the fermentor and pasteurized at various times andtemperatures by passing the broth through a copper coil immersed in ahot oil bath, followed by rapid cooling using an ice bath. SamplesBD-107 through BD-113 are prepared in this manner. BD-115 is anunpasteurized control.

    ______________________________________                                        BD-107          79° C. for 2-3 minutes                                 BD-108          85° C. for 2-3 minutes                                 BD-109          91° C. for 2-3 minutes                                 BD-110          99° C. for 2-3 minutes                                 BD-111          79° C. for 10 minutes                                  BD-112          116° C. for 2-3 minutes                                BD-113          99° C. for 5 minutes                                   BD-115          No pasteurization (control)                                   ______________________________________                                    

The xanthan gum in these samples is precipitated with alcohol, dried fortwo hours in a steam oven at 50°-55° C., and milled through a 20-meshscreen.

    ______________________________________                                        Emulsion         Emulsion Flow Properties                                     Sample No.                                                                            Viscosity (cP)                                                                             Visual      Bostwick                                     ______________________________________                                        BD-107  1610         Light-medium                                                                              10.5                                         BD-108  1615         Light-medium                                                                              10.8                                         BD-109  1535         Light-medium                                                                              10.5                                         BD-110  1735         Light-medium                                                                              9.85                                         BD-111  1540         Light       10.75                                        BD-112  1635         Light-medium                                                                              10.3                                         BD-113  1600         Medium      10.6                                         BD-115  1360         Smooth      13.6                                         ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 8 Calcium Content of Gum vs. Flow Properties

Nine samples of xanthan gum prepared under various different seed flaskand final fermentor conditions are analyzed to compare their calciumcontent to their flow properties. The following data are obtained:

    ______________________________________                                                                 Flow Properties                                                               (low oil/H.sub.2 O                                   Run       Ca (ppm)       Emulsion                                             ______________________________________                                        103-77C   37             Smooth                                               102-77C  123             Slightly Chunky                                      52-77B   126             Smooth                                               100-77C  193             Slightly Chunky                                      99-77C   207             Smooth                                               99-77C   315             Slightly Chunky                                       2-78C   315             Slightly Chunky                                      90-77C   478             Chunky                                               83-77C   536             Chunky                                               ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 9 Magnesium Content of Gum vs. Flow Properties

In order to demonstrate that the smooth flow property is dependent uponthe calcium ion content of the fermentation broth in which the xanthangum is produced, and is independent of magnesium ion content, thefollowing comparisons are made with emulsions made using xanthan gumsprepared from broths which result in final products having the indicatedlevel of Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ (in ppm).

    ______________________________________                                                                      Flow Properties                                                         Ca/Mg of Low Oil                                      Sample Ca.sup.++                                                                             Mg.sup.++                                                                              Ratio Emulsion                                        ______________________________________                                        9-1    4357    1019     4.28  Medium-Heavy Chunky                             9-2    2322    914      2.54  Medium-Heavy Chunky                             9-3    1866    917      2.03  Medium-Heavy Chunky                             9-4    772     388      1.99  Light Chunky                                    9-5    567     546      1.04  Medium Chunky                                   9-6    261     594      0.44  Smooth                                          9-7    153     546      0.28  Smooth                                          9-8    130     391      0.33  Smooth                                          ______________________________________                                    

Samples which have smooth flow properties are characterized by Ca⁺⁺levels of 261 ppm or below.

EXAMPLE 10 Oil-Well Drilling Fluid

An oil-well drilling fluid is made up in conventional manner from thefollowing constituents: low calcium, smooth flow xanthan gum, (BD-93)0.34 kg; water, 189.27 liters; bentonite, 3.63 kg; carboxymethylcellulose 0.23 kg; and KCl, 4.76 kg. This mud exhibits the followingproperties:

    ______________________________________                                        Fann Viscometer          Rolled 16 hrs.                                       Dial Readings    Initial at 150° F.                                    ______________________________________                                        600 rpm          31.3    27.7                                                 300 rpm          22.7    20.7                                                 200 rpm          19.3    17.4                                                 100 rpm          14.5    13.2                                                  6 rpm           6.1     5.3                                                   3 rpm           5.2     4.7                                                  Plastic Viscosity, cP                                                                          8.6     7.0                                                  Yield Point,                                                                  lb/100 ft.sup.2  14.1    13.7                                                 API Filtrate, ml 11.4    12.0.                                                ______________________________________                                    

These results show the excellent characteristics of an oil-well drillingfluid of the invention. In particular, the high viscosity at low shearrates provides good hole cleaning and the low viscosity at high shearrates increases the penetration rate of the bit.

EXAMPLE 11 French Dressing

A French dressing is made using the following formulation:

    ______________________________________                                        Ingredients        %                                                          ______________________________________                                        Vegetable Oil      38.00    38.00                                             Water              34.65    34.65                                             Sugar              11.50    11.50                                             Vinegar (100 grain)                                                                              9.00     9.00                                              Salt               4.00     4.00                                              Paprika, powdered  1.35     1.35                                              Mustard, powdered  1.25     1.25                                              Low calcium, smooth flow                                                      xanthan gum        0.25                                                       Xanthan gum (Control)       0.25                                                                 100.00%  100.00%                                           ______________________________________                                    

Procedure

1. Dry blend xanthan gum with one-half of the sugar and hydrate withwater and vinegar under vigorous agitation for 15 minutes.

2. Add blend of all remaining solids.

3. Add oil, slowly at first, then at normal rate.

4. Emulsify with a colloid mill at 0.02".

The flow properties of the dressings are measured in the BostwickConsistometer using the procedure described in Example 5 with thefollowing results:

    ______________________________________                                        BOSTWICK RESULTS                                                                                              Visual                                                                        Examina-                                                                      tion of                                              Distance in cm at Time Indicated                                                                       Flow                                          Xanthan                                                                              Seconds                  Prop-                                         Gum    5      10     20   30   60   120  180  erties                          ______________________________________                                        Low                                                                           calcium                                                                              10.0   10.8   11.7 12.5 13.6 14.7 15.3 Smooth                          Control                                                                              5.0    5.8    6.6  7.2  8.1  9.0  9.5  Chunky.                         ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 12 Low Calorie French Dressing

A low calorie French dressing containing approximately 19 calories perfluid ounce or 3 calories per teaspoon is made using the followingformulation:

    ______________________________________                                        Ingredients:       %                                                          ______________________________________                                        Water              55.95    55.95                                             Vinegar (50 grain) 18.00    18.00                                             Tomato Paste (26%) 7.50     7.50                                              Vegetable Oil      6.00     6.00                                              Lemon Juice        5.00     5.00                                              Salt               3.50     3.50                                              Egg Yolk (fresh)   2.00     2.00                                              Paprika            0.60     0.60                                              Mustard            0.50     0.50                                              Low calcium, smooth flow                                                      xanthan gum        0.75                                                       Xanthan gum (Control)       0.75                                              Onion powder       0.10     0.10                                              Garlic powder      0.05     0.05                                              Non-nutritive sweetener                                                                          0.05     0.05                                                                 100.00%  100.00%                                           ______________________________________                                    

Procedure

1. Disperse the xanthan gum in the water and add with good agitation toall oil, vinegar and lemon juice in which the mustard is dispersed.Complete hydration in 10-15 minutes with stirring.

2. After hydration, add tomato paste and egg yolk.

3. Add blend of all solids with stirring.

4. Emulsify with a colloid mill at 0.015" (0.038 cm).

The flow properties of the dressings are measured in the BostwickConsistometer using the procedure described in Example 5 with thefollowing results:

    ______________________________________                                                Distance in cm      Visual                                            Xanthan  Seconds            Examination of                                    Gum     5     10    20  30  60  120  180  Flow Properties                     ______________________________________                                        Low                                                                           calcium 7.5   8.0   8.5 8.7 9.3 9.8  10.2 Smooth                              Control 4.0   4.7   5.4 5.7 6.2 6.6  6.8  Chunky.                             ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 13 Test Method 1

Low calcium xanthan gum samples (FP-87, FP-81, FP-92, FP-103, andFP-478) are produced and compared to commercially available xanthan gum.These samples are tested according to Test Method 1 and by visualobservation with the following results:

    ______________________________________                                        Sample  Visc. (cP)   Flow (visual determination)                              ______________________________________                                        Xan.                                                                          gum 1   2350         Very Chunky                                              Xan.                                                                          gum 2                                                                         a.sup.(1)                                                                             1670         Chunky                                                   b       1830         Chunky                                                   c       1800         Chunky                                                   Xan.                                                                          gum 3                                                                         a       1800         Chunky                                                   b       1730         Chunky                                                   c       1800         Chunky                                                   FP-87                                                                         a       1510         Slightly Chunky                                          b       1510         Smooth                                                   FP-81                                                                         a       1580         Slightly Chunky                                          b       1520         Smooth                                                   FP-92                                                                         a       1710         Slightly Chunky                                          b       1730         Slightly Chunky                                          FP-103                                                                        a       1510         Smooth                                                   b       1500         Smooth                                                   c       1540         Smooth                                                   FP-478                                                                        a       1360         Smooth                                                   b       1350         Smooth                                                   ______________________________________                                         .sup.(1) Letters indicate replicates of same sample, so that viscosity        differences are within experimental error.                               

EXAMPLE 14 Pilot Plant Fermentation

Smooth-flow, low calcium xanthan gum is prepared in a 1500 gal.fermentor using soft water.

    ______________________________________                                        Inoculum:                                                                              Age                 541/2 hrs.                                       (100 gals)                                                                             pH                  6.82                                                      Viscosity           2550 cP                                          Medium:  Corn Syrup (42 D.E.)                                                                              3.96%                                            (1100 gals)                                                                            NH.sub.4 NO.sub.3   0.106%                                                    K.sub.2 HPO.sub.4   0.053%                                                    Promosoy 100        0.033%                                                    MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O                                                                             0.01%                                                     Balab Defoamer      0.25%                                                                         (v/v)                                                     K-60 Defoamer       0.022                                                                         (v/v)                                                     KOH                 To control pH                                                                 at 6.0-7.5                                       Fermentation:                                                                          Beer pH             7.06                                                      Temperature         30-31° C.                                          Aeration            0.2-1.0 (v/v)                                    Agitation:                                                                             Disc and turbine impellors                                                    Number of sets:     3                                                         Number of blades/set:                                                                             5                                                         Disc diameter:      20 inches                                                 Blade dimension:    21/2" × 4"                                          Impellor diameter:  28"                                                       Speed               150 rpm                                          Recovery:                                                                              Beer pH adjust to 6.0                                                         with H.sub.2 SO.sub.4                                                         Beer rate           5 gpm                                                     Pasteurization      74° C./6 min                                       Ppt. with 3 volumes isopropanol.                                     ______________________________________                                    

Following the procedure of Example 14 but replacing K₂ HPO₄ with Na₂HPO₄, the smooth-flow, low calcium xanthan gum of the present inventionis also produced.

EXAMPLE 15 Effect of Phosphate on Smooth Flow Property

Three batches of low calcium xanthan gum are prepared in 2000 gal.fermentors (1200 gal. working volume) to determine the effect ofphosphate on the smooth flow property of low calcium xanthan gum. Thefermentation media are essentially the same as in Example 14 except that4.2% corn syrup and only 0.01% defoamer are used.

The baffles used are 5.5" W×144" L and are 1" from the inside of thefermentor wall.

The 28" diam. turbines each contain five 2.5" W blades.

The fermentor is 54" in width.

The fermentations last from 59-69 hours. The following data areobtained.

    ______________________________________                                                  F-5-9-15                                                                              F-5-1-17  F-5-3-9                                           ______________________________________                                        Medium      As above  As above  As above but                                                                  with 0.63%                                                                    Na.sub.2 HPO.sub.4 and                                                        0.07% K.sub.2 HPO.sub.4                       Baffles     4         1         1                                             Turbines    3         1         1                                             Emulsion                                                                      Flow Charac-                                                                              Smooth    Heavy     Smooth                                        teristics             Chunky                                                  ______________________________________                                    

Thus, under high shear conditions, the smooth flow product of thisinvention is produced, whereas, under conditions which can be describedas "good mixing" (i.e., sufficient to produce xanthan gum), the smoothflow product is not produced unless the phosphate level of the medium issignificantly increased.

In an alternate process, 0.5% phosphate is added at the beginning offermentation and another 0.5% is added after fermentation and prior torecovery.

Both these processes are particularly useful in production sizefermentors to obviate the need for high shear.

EXAMPLE 16 Compatibility With NaOH

In order to show improved compatibility with NaOH and furtherimprovement upon addition of sodium glucoheptonate sequestrant, thefollowing experiments were performed: Xanthan gum and smooth flowxanthan gum are dissolved in water, sequestrant added, followed byaddition of solid NaOH pellets. The solutions are stirred until the NaOHdissolves then placed in a water bath to cool. After standing at ambienttemperature for 24 hours, the solutions are observed for gelation andthe following results obtained:

    ______________________________________                                        Additive     % Concentration                                                  ______________________________________                                        1. Xanthan gum                                                                              1.0      1.0   --       --                                      2. Smooth flow                                                                 xanthan gum --       --      1.0      1.0                                    3. Sodium Gluco-                                                               heptonate   --        1.0   --        1.0                                    4. Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        25.0     25.0   25.0     25.0                                    5. Water     74.0     73.0   74.0     73.0                                    Comments:    Solid    Solid  V. slight                                                                              Smooth                                               Gel      Gel    gel      pourable,                                                            struc-   solution                                                             ture.                                            ______________________________________                                    

In a like manner, the NaOH concentration is increased to 50% andgelation does not occur with smooth flow xanthan gum, while xanthan gumforms solid gels at all concentrations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A process of preparing low calcium xanthan gumwhich comprises growing Xanthomonas campestris by the whole culturefermentation of an aqueous medium comprising a fermentable carbohydrate,a nitrogen source, appropriate other nutrients, and a calcium content of0.37 to 4 ppm calcium per 1% xanthan gum in the completed fermentationbroth.
 2. A process of preparing smooth flow, low calcium xanthan gumwhich comprises growing Xanthomonas campestris by the whole culturefermentation of an aqueous medium comprising a fermentable carbohydrate,a nitrogen source, appropriate other nutrients, and a calcium content of0.37 to 4 ppm calcium per 1% xanthan gum in the completed fermentationbroth under high shear conditions.